Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accidents
- What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
- Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?
- The insurance company is offering me a settlement. Should I take it?
- What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?
- How will I pay for my medical bills?
- How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?
- My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?
- Am I at fault if I rear-end another vehicle?
1. What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
First, you should seek proper medical attention.
If you are conscious at the scene, collect all pertinent information from the other drivers (i.e. driver’s license numbers, address, phone number, insurance card information, etc.).
Make sure to keep a daily journal beginning with the date of the accident to document all physical and mental injuries, as well as to document your view of the accident.
Finally, contact an attorney at Brett & Coats who can assist you if you seek prompt, fair, and just compensation from the party who caused the accident. Do not make a statement to an Insurance Adjuster without representation by an attorney.
2. Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?
The liability insurance of the person who caused the accident is obligated to pay for any car damage and personal injuries; however, this does not happen automatically. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, so the Insurance adjuster’s job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. The insurance adjuster for the party who caused your damage is not on your side. Do not make a statement to an insurance adjustor without representation by an attorney.
3. The insurance company is offering me a settlement. Should I take it?
No. Never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney. Tell the insurance company that you will get back to them. In the meantime, contact an attorney at Brett & Coats. An insurance company may offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you will not sue them. We offer a free claim evaluation. We will advise you to take an offered settlement if it is appropriate.
4. What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?
A claim for injuries is usually based upon carelessness or negligence. The three categories of issues that typically arise in a claim after an automobile accident are:
- Liability – who is at fault and to what degree,
- Damages – what injuries or losses were caused by the accident,
- Insurance Coverage – what will the insurance company will pay
5. How will I pay for my medical bills?
If you have been injured, you will likely have medical bills. Those bills will be in your name and will usually be sent to your address. While you are responsible for paying your own bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries, ultimately, the at-fault person's liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, including medical bills. The insurance company may delay payment pending a complete settlement. At Brett & Coats we can help coordinate payment of your medical bills through your own medical insurance, any car insurance coverage you may have, and any public benefits available until such time as the insurance claim can be paid in full. Contact Brett & Coats today to discuss your course of action.
6. How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?
Personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of a few weeks or months. However, depending on the complexity of the case, they make take up to several years. At Brett & Coats we strive for prompt, fair, and just settlements of all claims. An estimate of time on your specific case will require you to contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Brett & Coats.
7. My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?
A permanent injury is one that is going to be with you for the rest of your life or at least for some period beyond the claim settlement. You may be entitled to be compensated for all future medical costs which are more likely than not caused by the accident. What costs are more likely than not caused by the accident must be established by an experienced personal injury attorney.
8. Am I at fault if I rear-end another vehicle?
Almost always, yes. The law states that you must maintain a safe distance to be able to stop safely if a car stops in front of you.
For more information on auto accidents, please see our Automobile Accidents page.
